CHAPTER NEWS

VOL. 8 NO. 1 FEBRUARY 1983 McEVOY MORE LAND TO FOUNDATION GO TO REFUGE Late in December, a donation to the Maine Chapter completed a project which has been underway since 1978, and at the same time cleared the way for another addition to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. The gift came from George W. Cochrane, III. who has been donating the property over several years to TNC, with the ultimate goal of having TNC turn the entire property over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is anticipated early in 1983. Currently negotiations are underway to determine the restrictions which will be placed on the property before such transfer. The property consists of 1 10 acres in Kennebunk, adjacent to the Mousam River Unit of the Refuge. About 70 acres are upland, containing thin sandy soils, where red maple, pitch SUPPORTS pine, and white pine are common. There are also about 40 acres of wetter, swampy areas near Fernald Brook where CHAPTER cranberries and other low ericaceous shrubs abound. A The Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation has awarded the scattering of tamarack gives a yellow hue in the fall. Maine Chapter a grant of S2.250 to be used towards the Mr. Cochrane, now a year-round Maine resident, received summer's program on Damariscove Island. The Foundation, the property from G. Warren Cochrane, his father, who which is based in Boothbay Harbor, had previously given to served as Treasurer and a Trustee of the Maine Chapter from a variety of other causes in Maine and New England, and the 1964-1975. Chapter is very pleased to be included in this year's The Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, containing mostly distribution of funds. coastal w etlands and migratory bird habitat,is located in York The Chapter must raise an additional $2500 to make the and Cumberland counties. It currently protects some 2500 program possible. acres, with an additional 1500 acres within its boundaries. Damariscove Island Preserve, located just seven miles Two other portions of the Refuge have been acquired by the from Boothbay Harbor is well known, not only in the Maine Chapter and transferred, with appropriate restric­ Boothbay Region, but far beyond. More than 1,500 people tions, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the 6-acre visited this two hundred-acre preserve last summer, with Coughlin Property in Wells and the Little River Marsh, some numerous others enjoying its quiet beauty while moored in 20 acres in Kennebunkport. * the long narrow harbor which bisects the southern lobe of the Island. In 1983, a team of two caretakers will again be resident on the Island during the summer months to interpret the human and natural history of the Island, help maintain the ANNUAL MEETING trails and keep records on use. and assist w ith specific research Date Set tasks. The caretakers, generally undergraduate or graduate AUGUST 13, 1983 students, work closely with the Preserve Stewardship Boothbay Region Committee and the fishing community which uses the Island Details in future newsletters under specific arrangement with the Conservancy.

MAR 1 1983 MAINE CHAPTER NEWS Published six times a year by the Maine Chapter of The Nature A LOOK AT MAINE Conservancy. Comments and contributions of articles are welcome. PEATLANDS Board of Trustees OFFICERS Chairman: G. Robert Butler, Kennebunk: Vice Over 100 policy-makers, scientists, conservationists, ChairmamC. Edwin Meadows, Hampden: Secretary: Edward T. planners, developers, legislators, and academics, as well as Richardson, Jr., South Portland; Treasurer: James Perry, Camden; TRUSTEES Robert M. Chute, Freeport: Kilborn interested laypeople, gathered on January 20th at the (Peter) Coe, Jr., Damariscotta; Philip W. Conkling, South University of Maine in Orono to discuss the ecological values Thomaston: Peter Corcoran, South Freeport; Alan Hutchinson, of Maine’s peatlands. Speakers from Maine and out-of-state Orono: Howard C. Johnson, South Freeport, and Fort Myers, FT; presented considerations related to the hydrology, flora, Charles Micoleau, Portland; William B. (Tony) Owens, Jr., Cape Elizabeth; Sally C. Rooney, Houlton; Robert Stewart, Cum­ fauna, aesthetics, and morphology of peatlands in the one-day berland Foreside; James A. St. Pierre, Augusta: Harry R. Tyler, conference. It is estimated there are between 235,000 and Augusta; Neil Welliver, Lincolnville; Ellen Wells, Crawford. 490,000 acres of peat bogs in Maine, roughly from Wash­ Executive Director, John W. Jensen ington to Somerset counties (SPO). Stewardship Director, Karen M. Gustafson Discussion touched upon a variety of topics including: Editor. Mary Minor Lannon ( I) the diversity of ecological values such as rare plants and Administrative Assistant, Deborah Clark bog communities found, (2) a summary of past and current Secretary. Ann Johnson Clerk-Typist, Barbara P. Clark research related to ecological values, (3) consideration of environmental consequences of inadequate regulation and preservation efforts, and (4) the roles of State agencies and private organizations in protecting peatland. Overall, the Gifts in the memory of the day-long conference was helpful in making all more aware of following have been received peatlands, another of Maine's rich natural treasures. by the Maine Chapter Maine Chapter staff, Trustees, and Scientific Advisory Richard Saltonstall, Jr. Committee members participated in this conference, which Irving Richardson was sponsored by the Maine Audubon Society and supported Cecilia Marion by a grant from the Evelyn H. Murphy Fund of the Dr. Arthur B. Dayton Appalachian Mountain Club. Esther Haynes

•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•••■•a ID have made no solid plans or commitments and, indeed, probably have no intention of giving or selling the land in the I C foreseeable future. True, this is not going to mean immediate r a protection; but it does start the owner thinking. It also means that if an owner gives any thought of selling, he will probably E R approach us first. The key here is deciding which areas are most important C M and where to direct our efforts. Making these kinds of T E decisions requires a great deal of accurate, up-to-date information. This kind of effort can only be successful if the O R John W. Jensen State’s scientific and academic communities have the drive, Executive Director interest, and willingness to assist in our work. In Maine, these R volunteer experts certainly do. Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee are One of the important roles that volunteers fill in the Maine among those who have volunteered hours to help the Chapter's work is helping to determine which areas are most Conservancy decide just what is really important. College and in need of being saved. Obviously, there is far more land that university experts, as well as the graduate students and others we would like to protect than is possible to take on in any single with substantial expertise and interest, have provided year. valuable, accurate information about Maine's natural areas Broadly speaking, our land protection efforts come from and communities. two very different approaches. One is the opportunistic, Sharing information. This sounds like such a simple reactive, or “crisis” acquisition of land. Someone (frequently matter. Here in Maine,we are blessed with a willingness both a Chapter member, amateur botanist, ornithologist, or other to share information and also with folks willing to spend the interested person) comes to us to tell us about a fragile or time to upgrade these facts, put them in the proper critical piece of land that is threatened with immediate perspective, and question any assumptions upon which they development. Sometimes it has simply been put on the market are based. Surprising as it may seem, scientists in many states for development. are much less willing to even share their data, let alone put When we are told of such a case, and if the area is found it into the useful and practical form for TNC to act upon. to be significant, we can move quickly. With the help of local Over the long term, it is just this kind of information that volunteers, we can mount a concerted local effort to obtain will shape the majority of our future projects. Determining an outright gift or initiate a fund-raising drive to buy it. what’s rare, critical, or endangered requires a great deal of The other approach we increasingly take is to quiet help. This volunteer assistance is not widely recognized, “pre-identify” the sites of greatest long-term importance. but deserves much of the credit for many of our recent and Then we can talk with the landowners at a point when they future projects. trustees come from all over the state (see masthead p. 2) and Its The travel long distances to meetings; Houlton to Kennebunk is the current span! Trustees can serve as many as two consecutive three year terms with the officers elected Volunteers annually. Many are more than willing to make this commitment. In addition, it is not unusual to find those who have previously served on the Board, still continuing to The Maine Chapter, although a small organization, has contribute time and advice to the Chapter, particularly if a staff of well over 250 people! Fortunately, for those there is a project in their area. responsible for fund raising, most of these are not on salary, Also advising the Board and staff is a 22-member rather, they are the group of volunteers who regularly provide Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of scientists at the the support necessary for the efficient operation of the University of Maine, Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin Colleges, the Chapter. As the year starts, it seems appropriate to pause and College of the Atlantic, the Maine Department of Inland look at the many ways the volunteers help make the Chapter Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Critical Areas Program, “tick”. the Bigelow Laboratory, as well as independent consultants and professors from several New England Universities. Many will remember that for many years the Maine Originally established to deal specifically with the research Chapter consisted solely of volunteers; people working to needs of Great Wass Island and Crystal Bog Preserves, the preserve Maine’s natural heritage in between their regular Committee’s role has been expanded to include scientific jobs and responsibilities. Names like Dorothea Marston, research on all the preserves. Ingram Richardson, Ron Davis, Charles (Brad) and Vi Bradford, Ed Richardson, and Rachel Carson herself, stand out in those early days of the mid 1950s, but there were many who contributed hours of time and energy to get the fledgling Who Make Chapter off the ground. Many of the preserves were acquired and managed through their efforts. Today there is a small staff operating on a daily basis. The Chapter has grown; there are over 5,000 members and over It Work 20,000 acres of land has been protected. Some 10,000 of this remains under Conservancy management today. Yet, it is still the volunteer who really makes it all possible. Damariscove fisherman Dan Kaler (rt.) talks with Many of these volunteers are in some way connected with committee member Bob Richardson a preserve. There are currently 49 stewardship committees, generally composed of 3-5 people who take care of the There are many, many more; volunteers who lead field 60-some preserves. Several committees, such as the Vinal­ trips, others who share their interest and knowledge with staff haven Committee, have responsibility for a number of and trustees reviewing potential preserves. There are the preserves in their area. people who help with transportation to a particular preserve, often a lobsterman or other person with a boat. Some have done art work for the newsletter and other publications. Many have taken photographs for the Chapter. College students regularly help out in the office, partic­ ularly in the library, organizing and keeping up-to-date items such as photographs and research materials. Volunteers have also helped with specific tasks such as appraisals, and title searches, surveys and boundary markings. The list is seemingly endless, but its worth to the Chapter is invaluable. Simply, it would hardly be possible to manage the great extent of lands and seek out new areas that need Fernald’s Neck committee member Margaretta Thurlow protection without the help of so many dedicated persons. We pointing out sign made by volunteer Fred Tupper thank you. The Committee members are dedicated individuals; many have been involved with “their” preserve for years. They regularly visit the preserves, undertake tasks such as putting up signs and registration boxes as needed, and most importantly, assist with the overall management strategy for the preserve. Their local knowledge and expertise is essential for an effective stewardship program. Most importantly, they are always “there” with support and advice. Each of the 22 properties protected by conservation easement is also watched over by a volunteer. This person visits the area annually, checking to make sure that the terms of the easement are being upheld. The Chapter is run by a volunteer board, as is the national organization. Maine’s Board of Trustees meets at least six times a year, providing direction and guidance to the staff. Dr. Charles Richards, Scientific Advisory Committee Committees meet more frequently. The four officers and 15 member, leads field trip on Great Wass <4 WHATS GOING ON ?

Activity on Preserves tends to slow down during the winter months, but as the following from Committee members indicates, there has been a fair amount going on this season. Lh Jgm ->•<

r ^ * *• ” \# * \ Crystal Bog (Crystal and Sherman) This winter (late February or early March), Peter Vickery ■» ■ *'■ - is going to help establish possible nesting sites for boreal and Mt. Katahdin with Crystal Bog in foreground hawk owls in Crystal Bog. He and Sally Rooney will attempt by the sound of wind through the evergreens. to attract these rare owls by creating suitable nesting areas The High Rocks on the Blue Trail have been a fine vantage in snags in the larch forest adjacent to the fen portion of point from which to watch the spectacular sunsets of this fall Crystal Bog Preserve. sn and winter. mt Lane’s Island (Vinalhaven) Great Wass Island (Beals) The road into the Preserve was up-graded in November. The new sign at the entrance to the Preserve, put up in late Seemingly insurmountable odds have been overcome and summer, survived Halloween, and this fall’s hunters have a new two hundred-yard boardwalk now protects a portion respected our “no shooting, no hunting” signs, with the result of Great Wass Island Preserve from the trampling of feet on that pheasants are frequently seen and heard. the Cape Point Trail. Thanks to help from the National Guard A puffin was identified just off Lane’s Island’s headland who helicoptered cedar posts and lumber to the site, the — first ever! hh caretaker Johnny Beal, a local carpenter, and several others, a new boardwalk now eliminates a very wet area from this Fernald’s Neck (Camden/Lincolnville) trail. This winter, December and January have brought an unusual spring-like appearance to Fernald’s Neck Preserve. Indian Point-Blagden Preserve (Bar Harbor) The forest people, mice, moles, squirrels, hares, minks, otters, An immature eagle spends a lot of time around the fishers, and coyotes have not made their presence known by Preserve. The seals are still out and they look very dark in leaving tracks in the snow, but tracks will show up when snow does cover the forest floor. In wet places, deer tracks may be color. There are a dozen or more grouse around; we see them seen now. around the house often and enjoy them. With the first real People have taken advantage of the lack of snow to enjoy snow fall, it is lovely here on the Preserve. s h the well-laid out trails and to listen to the silences enhanced

NEW LIFE MEMBERS OF THE MAINE CHAPTER TNC members are invited to submit names of persons Life memberships of $1000 each are devoted entirely to they feel would make good Trustees of the Maine Chapter. the Chapter in which they are given. This month, thanks Names should be sent to: go to the following for their long term support: Peter Corcoran, Chairman Nominating Committee Mr. and Mrs. John A. Burnham, Jr. Maine Chapter Naples, Florida, and Cushing The Nature Conservancy Mr. and Mrs. E. Kent Gordon 20 Federal Street Pasadena, California Brunswick, ME 04011

5§IPersons interested in funding for research projects Land Management Areas, and Fish and Wildlife Refuges. particularly related to Maine’s forests and natural resources The program, run by the Student Conservation Association, should write for a brochure describing grant application Inc., offers some 1,300 positions in more than 250 areas across procedures of the Evelyn H. Murphy Fund. (Deadline April the country. The high school program offers group work 1, 1983) projects for 3-4 weeks while the Park, Forest and Resource Richard Trafton, Chairman Assistant Program jobs run several months. In Maine, areas Evelyn H. Murphy Fund of the requesting SCA volunteers this summer include Acadia Appalachian Mountain Club National Park, Baxter State Park, The Appalachian Trail, P.O. Box 470 Auburn, ME 04210 and the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge. Inquiries should be addressed not to the agency, but to the: ^Applications are currently being accepted for high school Student Conservation Association, Inc. students (16-18) and men and women over 18 for volunteer Box 550 positions in the National Parks, National Forests, Bureau of Charlestown, NH 03603 (Deadline for application is March 1) 5 Crystal Bog is probably best known as the only New England Station for the white-fringed prairie orchid Crystal Bog Fen (Habenaria leucophaea —a candidate endangered species) and the linear-leaf sundew (Drosera linearis). Another Nam ed recently discovered species, the English sundew (Drosera anglica) is also found only in New England in this fen. The English sundew has large spatulate leaves which broaden at Critical Area the tip. As the only New England station for both of these sundews, the area is particularly important. (The white- fringed prairie orchid is most likely dormant as it has not been found recently in the fen.) The Crystal Bog Fen has been added to the Maine Register of Critical Areas, indicating its statewide signifi­ cance as a natural area. This 232-acre tract is a boreal calcareous fen, well known to botanists for its rare plants. A fen, unlike a bog which receives water only through The Critical Areas Program of the State Planning Office precipitation, also receives water and nutrients through the has registered more than 400 areas in Maine since the passage groundwater. Typically, as in the case with Crystal Bog, the of the Critical Areas Act in 1974. Other critical areas on TNC fen lies on the periphery of the bog. The fen is almost entirely preserves include: within the boundaries of the 4,000-acre Crystal Bog Preserve. Appleton Bog Atlantic White Cedar Stand As noted in the registration! The Brothers Seabird Nesting Area This fen is generally open, the floor being dominated by Great Wass Island Central Peatlands the moss (Compyiium stellatum)(a species found only in rich Southwest Heath fens) and sedges ( Carex sp.). The perimeter of the fen is Red Head Marine Invertebrate Area comprised of northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Hay Ledge Eider Nesting Area eastern larch (Larix laricina). The Hermitage Old Growth White Pine Stand It is this relatively small area of the larger Crystal Bog Mark Island Heronry which has been known to botanists since the mid-1800s. The Mullen Woods Old Growth White Pine Stand rare species have been widely described in the literature. The Upper Seboeis River Gorge most current information (Critical Areas Program, 1981) Step Falls Wight Brook Isotria medeoloides lists 18 Maine, Regional (N.E.) and Nationally rare or Stone Island Heronry endangered plant species. Some of these are relatively obscure sedges, as well as two members of the aster family (Asteraceae).

NEW ENGLAND’S RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED PLANTS by Garrett E. Crow, University of New Hampshire prepared for the U.S. Dept, of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Region

Endangered and threatened species industrial and recreational develop­ preparation of this book is clearly possess the unique ability to force us to ment on their limited habitat within the shown by the descriptions, maps, and ponder our relationship with the nat­ New England region. An outgrowth of drawings of these four and an addi­ ural world we share and make us a project between the New England tional 23 species under review for listing cognizant of the intricacy and fragility Botanical Club’s Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act. of that relationship. Committee and the U.S. Fish and Less detailed information, but the same Richard Dyer Wildlife’s Office of Endangered Spe­ quality of line drawings and maps is (Introduction) cies, this report supplies detailed in­ included for an additional 74 species, formation to the layman and the sci­ rare in New England and of national A handsome book on the disap­ entist on these species. significance. Ten color photos add a pearing flora of New England has just Two plants currently listed on the final striking touch. (ML) been published by the U.S. Fish and Federal Endangered Species List, the The book is available from the U.S. Wildlife Service’s Northeast Region. A Furbish lousewort (Pedicuiaris furbi- Government Printing Office, Wash­ synthesis of six state reports, the doc­ shiae) and Robbins’ cinquefoil ington, D.C. 20402. Request stock ument notes and illustrates 101 of the (Potentilla robbinsiana), are described #024-010-00605-6 and enclose $11.00. rarest plants in New England, with first, followed by two which are pro­ More information about the book or the drawings, maps, and some color prints. posed for designation, the Small endangered plants can be obtained by This very readable report is de­ whorled pogonia (Isotria medeloides) contacting Richard Dyer, U.S. Fish signed to increase public awareness and and the Silverling (Paronychia argy- and Wildlife Service, Office of En­ concern for the plight of these plants, rocoma var. arbimontana). The care dangered Species, One Gateway Cen­ made rare by the growth of residential, and thought which went into the ter, Newton Corner, Mass. 02158. 6 STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship is the “protection” that begins once the deed or other agreement is signed. This protection includes an array of responsibilities and tasks. They range from basic obligations related to owning property, (i.e. posting boun­ daries and paying taxes) to undertaking investigations designed to provide information about the management of ecological features. With 110 management units (preserves, easements, and transfers) to oversee, I must depend heavily upon the efforts of others, many of whom are volunteers. Individuals who donate time, effort, expertise, and/or money to our stewardship program come in all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life and endeavor. One thread common among all volunteers is the love of and concern for protecting Maine’s rich natural heritage. Intern positions are again available with the Maine A wildlife ecologist at the University of Maine advises me Chapter for a variety of tasks. Persons interested should about trapping muskrats on Damariscove Island. A retired contact the office for a detailed brochure. The deadline for attorney counsels me about legal questions. A student at applications is March 11, 1983. Bowdoin College organizes our library materials, maps, and *Damariscove Island Caretaker/Intern (2 positions) research files in the office. A National Park Service naturalist June 6 - September 11 leads field trips to island preserves in Frenchman Bay. A high ’Inventory and Master Planning Intern school teacher and amateur botanist field checks rare plant June 6 - August 26 sites. A Portland businessman helps oversee an island ‘Preserve Selection Intern preserve in Casco Bay. A young artist creates drawings and April 4 - June 3 does calligraphy for publications. Appropriate compensation ’Preserve Design Intern for such efforts would be impossible to measure or provide. May 23 - October 7 Without the generous contributions of talent and time, I ’Field Assistant would fail in my job. June 6 - August 26 The stewardship program in Maine is one of the strongest General Qualifications include: in the country. All of you volunteer stewards deserve much KG Natural sciences background; familiarity with Maine’s credit and many thanks. natural features, state agencies, and academic community; ability to work with a variety of people; and in some cases, own transportation and willingness to travel throughout the State. THANKS to the Maine Chapter’s Members and friends for a generous Good Preserves to visit during the winter season include Step response to the Annual Appeal. Falls in Newry, Douglas Mountain in Sebago, Rachel Carson Salt Pond in Bristol, Lane’s Island on Vinalhaven, Fernald’s Neck in Camden and Lincolnville, and Indian Point-Blagden in Bar Harbor. (If you're unsure of directions, be sure arid A NOTE write for a summary sheet for that Preserve.) Please be sure to indicate the Preserve when you request Dr. Charles B. McLanes book, Islands of the Mid-Maine a summary sheet. A listing of all the preserves is also Coast is available at many local bookstores and from the available. A full Preserve Directory for the Chapter is Kennebec River Press, Dresden, Maine 04342 ($35) anticipated later this year.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY Non-profit Org Maine Chapter U.S Postage □ Yes, I want to preserve Maine’s Unique Natural Heritage. PAID Please enroll me as a member of The Nature Conservancy. 20 Federal St., Brunswick, Maine 04011 The Nature Conservancy Maine Chapter □ $10 Subscribing D$25 Contribution □ $15 Family DS100 Acorn* □ $1000 Life Member * All annual dues of $100 or more will be spent entirely 219294V 49 03 014 9402 on Maine Chapter operations. >1AINE STATE LIBRARY Name STATE HOUSE STA #64 Address AUGUSTA ME 34333 C ity___ Zip ‘ction Requested